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Cruise ship tours: The last of the great ocean liners

The heyday of the great ocean liners may be in the past, but not Our latest Cruise Ship Tour, in the carousel above, offers a look at four deck-by-deck look at the vessel. Designed as a research tool for

Cruise ship tours: The last of the great ocean liners

Now a cherished hotel, museum and tourist attraction in Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary, is without a doubt, the most famous ocean liner of all time (that did not meet with disaster). It measures 81,000 gross tons and has a length of 1,019 feet with a beam of 118 feet. Peter Knego

Construction on the mighty ship initially known as “534” began at the renowned John Brown and Company shipyard at Clydebank, Scotland in late 1930. On Sep-tember 26, 1934, the ship was launched by namesake, HRH Queen Mary. Thou-sands braved torrential rain to watch as the giant Cunard liner slid into the River Clyde. Courtesy of the Queen Mary

As built, it carried 776 Cabin (later named First) Class, 784 Tourist (later named Cabin) and 579 Third (later named Tourist) Class passengers. Queen Mary’s maiden voyage from Southampton to New York departed on May 27, 1936. That August, it won the Blue Ribband from the French liner Normandie for fastest crossing. Normandie took it back in 1937 but in 1938, lost it permanently to the Mary, which set a new average speed record of 31.6 knots in August 1938. Peter Knego Collection

After the outbreak of World War Two, the Mary and running mate Queen Elizabeth were fitted to carry an average of 15,000 troops. With speeds that exceeded most U-boats and escort craft, the two giant Cunarders were credited by Winston Churchill with shortening the war by a year. They continued their trooping and repatriation duties un-til 1946. During this phase of its career, the Queen Mary was nicknamed “The Grey Ghost”. Courtesy of the Queen Mary

The Queen Mary returned to transatlantic passenger service on July 31, 1947. Together with the Queen Elizabeth, the two ships maintained weekly crossings for the next two decades. Despite being surpassed in size by the twin funneled, 83,000 gross ton Queen Elizabeth and in 1952, losing the Blue Ribband to the SS United States, the Queen Mary would reign as the most popular and beloved ship in the world -- until the jet airplane brought down the curtain on transatlantic travel in the early 1960s. Peter Knego collection

The Queen Mary’s final, 1001st crossing took place in September of 1967. It was sold to the City of Long Beach for $3.5 million and departed on a 39 night delivery cruise around South America. In December 1967, the Mary triumphantly arrived in Long Beach with a 310-foot pay-off pennant flying overhead and four London dou-ble decker buses on the aft decks. Peter Knego collection

For the next three years, the ship underwent a $72 million transformation for a new role as an hotel, convention center and tourist attraction. Most of the machinery was re-moved for exhibition spaces, holes were cut into the side for new permanent gangways and a metal box was built around the remaining propeller. In, 1971, the ship was opened up for public tours and in December of 1972, the hotel and restaurants were also opened. Peter Knego

Since becoming a California-based tourist attraction, the Queen Mary has been used as a the occasional Hollywood set, most famously for the 1972 Irwin Allen disaster movie, “The Poseidon Adventure”. Now classified as a building, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Visitors on tours of the Queen Mary take the elevators to level four and embark on the Promenade Deck’s original teak-lined, glass-enclosed port promenade. Peter Knego

The Queen Mary’s pre-computer age wheelhouse has most of its original brass equipment, including beautifully polished, museum-quality Siemens double-headed telegraphs and twin Brown Brothers steering wheels, as well as Kelvin compasses. Peter Knego

Few things are more appealing to the eyes of a ship lover than the majestic, black-topped orange/red funnels of the Queen Mary, especially from the perspective of the bridge wing. In between the myriad of ventilators, deck houses and trio of funnels, there are areas of open space on Sports Deck for sunning and brisk walks in the sea air. Peter Knego

Sun Deck has a fully encircling teak walkway underneath a canopy of lifeboats and davits. The rare and now endangered teak was restored in recent years by carefully cutting thin strips out of the original planks and laying them atop less exotic wood. Peter Knego

The Verandah Grill was the legendary former first class a la carte dining room located on Queen Mary’s aft Sun Deck. In the Long Beach conversion, this once exclusive venue was turned into a hot dog stand. In recent years, the room was restored and is now largely used for private functions. Peter Knego

The glorious maple burr and cedarwood paneled Observation Bar fronts an entire deck of public spaces and restaurants on Promenade Deck. The semi-circular space has a stepped up terrace overlooking the cocktail bar. The room was recently used as a backdrop in the blockbuster Hollywood film, “The Aviator”. Peter Knego

The Main Hall was the Queen Mary’s first class foyer and shopping arcade and features paneling in oaknut, chestnut and elm burr. One of many highlights in the exquisite Main Hall is the sculpted plaster frieze atop the center shop by Maurice Lambert. Peter Knego

The soaring Queen’s Salon is the former first class lounge. If the 30 foot high central ceiling looks familiar, that’s because it inspired the set that went topsy turvy in “The Poseidon Adventure” where a number of extras and a Christmas tree plunged into the glass fixtures. Peter Knego

This is a view of the first class Lounge in the 1950s with its posh armchairs, settees and burled wood tables, all since replaced with convention furnishings. The unicorn mural above the marble fireplace concealed a movie projector that gave the room a dual function as a cinema. Peter Knego collection

Original former first class staterooms such as this deluxe outside are paneled in lustrous woods and have many vintage fittings, such as bakelite Punkah Louvre ventilators and Deco fans. Original rooms should be requested at the time of booking. Peter Knego

Many people strongly believe that the Queen Mary is haunted. One of the ship’s most popular attractions is its “Ghosts and Legends” show and “Haunted Encounters” tour that takes visitors to parts of the ship that have been the site of reported paranormal activity. Placards around the ship recount such sightings. Peter Knego

Located on R Deck, the recessed central dome over the Grand Salon, formerly the first class dining salon, soars some 27 feet. The columns and veneers are made of Brazilian peroba wood, which glows in both incandescent lighting and daylight emitted through portholes on either side of the room. Peter Knego

Macdonald Gill’s famous transatlantic mural on the forward bulkhead has been often imitated but never duplicated. Two crystal ships once traced the actual positions of the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary during their crossings. Peter Knego

Reached from ground level by the stern of the ship, what is now called D Deck features the Queen Mary Story, a museum dedicated to the history of the Queen Mary and other transatlantic liners. Giant, beautifully-constructed cutaway models of the Titanic and the Normandie are two key attractions. Peter Knego

Of the four massive bronze screws that drove the Queen Mary at record-breaking speed, only the aft/starboard survived. It can be accessed via the large box that was fitted to the ship in the Long Beach conversion. This is one of many spots where paranormal “sightings” have been witnessed. Peter Knego

The SS United States is the largest, fastest and arguably greatest American passenger ship ever built. After forty three years of neglect in various backwaters from Virginia to Sebastopol, Tuzla (Turkey) and finally, Philadelphia, the ship is now in the hands of The SS United States Conservancy, a dedicated team of preservationists seeking to find it a new home and purpose. Peter Knego

In its heyday, the United States was a familiar sight on the Hudson River, its massive stacks and knife-like bow symbols of American pride. Cunard’s Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth and, of course, White Star Line’s Titanic, are the only ocean liners that have equaled the United States in renown. www.grandlinerlounge.com

The 53,330 gross ton United States was designed by William Francis Gibbs, America’s foremost naval architect. Gibbs created a ship that could be modified with little effort into a Cold War trooper capable of carrying 15,000 soldiers. Fortunately never called into war duty, the United States carried 1,928 passengers in three classes (First, Cabin and Tourist) and 900 crew. Peter Knego collection

United States was ordered in 1950 and completed in 1952 by the Newport News Ship-building and Drydock Company. The ship was assembled in sections in a graving dock, much as modern cruise ships are built today. For decades, its underwater hull and machinery were considered classified and could not be photographed. Peter Knego

The $78 million dollar liner broke the transatlantic speed record on its July 4, 1952 maiden voyage, achieving an eastbound average speed of 35.59 knots (41 mph). Affectionately nicknamed “The Big U”, the vessel could reportedly reach a top speed of 38.3 knots and is shown here on its triumphant arrival in New York harbor. Peter Knego collection

Perhaps the most opulent space was the first class restaurant with its double deck, domed ceiling and imposing glass fiber reliefs by Gwen Lux. Although considered austere by many, the ship’s interiors, designed by Dorothy Marckwald and composed of fireproof elements of brushed steel, linoleum and etched glass, were years ahead of their time. Peter Knego collection

The airplane, union strikes and high operating costs put an end to the SS United States' career in 1969. The ship was laid up at Newport News, Virginia, where she sat until being sold to Seattle-based developer Richard Hadley in 1978. A new cruise service was announced and brochures were published but nothing came of the venture. Peter Knego collection

Meanwhile, the SS United States’ cash-strapped owners decided to sell the ship’s fittings. In 1984, the old liner was opened up to thousands of curious visitors be-fore its interiors were auctioned off. The United States was sold in 1990 to new owners who also intended to refit the ship for cruising, had it towed to Turkey and later the Ukraine for removal of asbestos and other toxic materials. In 1996, it was towed back to the U.S. and berthed at Philadelphia’s Packer Marine Terminal. Peter Knego collection

In 1996, the completely gutted ship was moved to its current location and through the efforts of the now defunct SS United States Foundation and the SS United States Conservancy, “The Big U” was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, although nothing came of plans to rebuild the ship. Peter Knego

In 2003, the United States was once again put up for sale. Outbidding scrap merchants at the 11th hour, Norwegian Cruise Line bought it in the hopes of rebuilding the ship for their NCL America division. Unfortunately, another vessel was not needed and in 2011, it was once again up for sale. Peter Knego

Although scrappers offered double the price, NCL agreed to sell the United States for $3 million to the Conservancy in March of 2011. Local philanthropist Gerry Lenfest offered to pay 20 months of berthing fees to allow the Conservancy time to work with potential developers on a plan to preserve the ship as a static attraction. Peter Knego

Although the United States looks dishearteningly weathered after spending more than four decades in waiting, the decay is purely cosmetic. Made of aluminum, the two massive funnels were intentionally oversized to make the United States instantly recognizable from a distance and to give it the impression of “power and grace”, intended by architect William Francis Gibbs. Peter Knego

Peeling paint and superficial rust aside, the grace and beauty of the ship’s architecture is unparalleled. Far ahead of its time, the United States was built with an aluminum superstructure that was fused to the steel hull in a special process that averted the corrosive effects of marrying the two incompatible metals. The aft funnel rises a staggering 55 feet from its base. Peter Knego

The United States’ upper decks are spanned by tiers of graceful, open promenades. The ship has a fully encircling promenade on Sun Deck. Even the decking was of a fireproof concrete-like compound in lieu of traditional teakwood planking. Peter Knego

The ship’s first class public rooms were located directly inboard of the promenades on Promenade Deck. Only the shell remains of the First Class Ballroom, which was recently used as a backdrop for the Colin Farrell action flick, “Dead Man Down”. The bar was built for the movie and is not an original fixture. Peter Knego

This is the lovely First Class Ballroom in its heyday. It had a square footprint but looked elliptical thanks to a circular dome and four curved etched glass screens depicting sea life that encompassed the dance floor. Portions of these screens now grace the United States Restaurant on board Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Infinity. Note also the propeller-blade and glass topped tables. Peter Knego collection

Far aft, Promenade Deck continues with open deck space, the forward portion of which was reserved for first class. Removed to prevent unnecessary drag on the United States’ overseas tow, her four bronze screws were placed on the ship’s afterdecks. Of the two that remain, one is on aft/port Promenade Deck. Peter Knego

On Upper Deck, large open spaces have been cleared of everything but the ducting, some wiring and the support beams. This is the section where some of the ship’s finest first class suites were located. Peter Knego

Although several promising uses for the ship are being negotiated, the United States’ time is running out. Hopefully, this will not be a last look at one of the mightiest ships to ever grace the seas. For more information, please go to savetheunitedstates.com. Peter Knego

One of the most successful transatlantic liners and cruise ships of all time, the Queen Elizabeth 2 is currently in Dubai awaiting the next phase of its long career. Also known as the QE2, it was built to replace Cunard’s venerable Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. Peter Knego

The 963-by-105 foot ship was built by the John Brown and Company shipyard at Clydebank, Scotland and launched by HRH Queen Elizabeth II on September 20, 1967. After fitting out and delays due to a damaged turbine, the 65,863 gross ton ship finally entered service in May of 1969. When powered by its original steam engines, QE2 could achieve a top speed of 32.5 knots. Peter Knego collection

With its pencil-thin funnel and sleek lines, the ultra modern QE2 was a dual purpose ocean liner and cruise ship. Its original capacity was for 564 first and 1,441 tourist class passengers and 1,400 for one class cruising. The antithesis of its traditional predecessors, it had wide expanses of open deck and two outdoor pools that were especially popular in warmer climes. Peter Knego collection

The QE2’s trendy, modern interiors were at the time described as “Bond Street meets Twiggy” and a complete departure from the polished nickel, burled woods and ornate trappings of the original Queens. This is the two story Double Room, which was later converted into the ship’s showroom. Peter Knego collection

In 1972, the first of many alterations saw the addition of a block of penthouse suites atop the ship and the elimination of an observation bar. Over the years, the QE2’s profile and layout would undergo many changes. In 1975, the ship embarked upon its first in what would become an almost annual tradition of world cruises for the rest of its career. Peter Knego collection

In 1982, QE2 was requisitioned for trooping service in the Falklands War. Helipads were built atop her stern and her public areas were turned into dormitories. When it returned to regular service the following year, the funnel was painted in Cunard’s orange and black colors and the hull was painted dove gray. Peter Knego

In 1983, the unpopular gray was switched for a more traditional black hull color. By this time, QE2 was beginning to experience increasingly frequent mechanical problems. Further refits at this time saw the installation of an all-weather magrodome on the stern and more interior modifications. Peter Knego

In 1986/1987, QE2 was sent to Hamburg for its most extensive refit to date. At that time, the original steam power plant was replaced with MAN B&W diesels, new propel-lers were added, yet more alterations were made to the interiors and the distinctive funnel was enlarged. The now one class, 70,327-gt, 1,777-passenger QE2 was faster and more economical than ever, capable of a new top speed of 34 knots. Peter Knego

QE2’s outer decks have seen many changes over the years but there are still plenty of teak-covered nooks and open spaces where guests can sunbathe or curl up in a deck chair under a wool blanket. Peter Knego

Passengers entered the ship via the circular Midships Lobby, which was distinguished by its sunken seating area, dramatic lighting and futuristic fiberglass pillar. The murals and burled veneer were added in the 1994 conversion. Peter Knego

Perhaps the grandest of the QE2’s public spaces, the Queen’s Lounge still retains its dramatic columns and honeycomb ceiling although the furnishings and decor have evolved significantly with time. Throughout the ship’s career, this room was the elegant setting for afternoon tea. Peter Knego

Although the QE2 was eventually a one class ship, its dining options were any-thing but. Guests occupying the most expensive suites had exclusive access to the legendary Queens Grill, considered by many to be one of the finest restaurants ever put to sea. Peter Knego

70. As more suite accommodation was fitted to the ship, the Britannia Grill was added as a complement to the Princess Grill. All three current Cunard ships (the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria) have Queen and Princess Grills. Peter Knego

Non-grill guests were assigned one of two traditional restaurants, depending on their stateroom category. Shown in its final incarnation, the Caronia Restaurant was originally the Columbia Restaurant and, like the rest of the ship, has under-gone many alterations over the years. Peter Knego

In latter years, QE2 featured a Heritage Trail filled with important Cunard artifacts such as this bas-relief from the first Queen Elizabeth. Sadly, these treasures left Cunard’s realm when the ship was sold by the Carnival Corporation in 2008 to Nakheel, a Dubai-based company that planned to rebuild the ship into a stationary luxury hotel. Peter Knego

When Nakheel’s expensive and drastic conversion plans were crushed by the Global economic downturn, rumors of the QE2’s possible scrapping began to circulate. After a number of unrealized proposals, plans were announced to convert the ship into a five star hotel in either Singapore or Hong Kong but the ship has still not left Dubai. Peter Knego

Cunard Line’s 151,400 gt, 2,620 guest flagship QUEEN MARY 2 was the world’s largest passenger ship at the time of its debut in 2003. Although the term “ocean liner” is used to describe many of today’s cruise ships, the QM2 is a bonafide dual-purpose liner and cruise ship. It is shown here on its April 22, 2004 maiden arrival in New York. Peter Knego

What makes a liner versus a cruise ship? The 1132-by-135-foot QM2 has a long, tapered bow meant to cut through all types of seas, a reinforced hull with a relatively deep draft of 33 feet and powerful Wartsila diesels that can drive its four pods at a maximum speed of 30 knots (much faster than most cruise ships’ average of 22 knots). Peter Knego

The QM2 was built by Alstom-Chantiers de l’Atlantique at St. Nazaire, France. The shipyard, originally known as Chantiers de l’Atlantique, produced some of the world’s most famous liners, including the Ile De France (1927), Normandie (1935) and France (1961). Today, the yard is now part of the STX Europe conglomerate. Peter Knego

Since 2006, instead of Manhattan’s well-known midtown Hudson River cruise terminals, the QM2 has used Brooklyn’s Red Hook Cruise Terminal as her New York base. The facility is located across from Governor’s Island and also hosts the ships of Princess Cruises. Peter Knego

The impressive architecture of QM2’s forward superstructure, partially inspired by that of the QUEEN ELIZABETH of 1940, can be enjoyed from the wedge-shaped upper level of the QM2’s fo’c’sle on Deck 7. Peter Knego

The Library, located on forward Deck 8, houses one of the largest book collections afloat and is adjacent to the famed QM2 Bookshop, offering books, DVDs and other ephemera celebrating ocean liner and cruise ship history. Peter Knego

The Princess Grill, shown facing aft, is located on the port side of aft Deck 7. The space complements the Queens Grill and is the posh dining venue for the QM2’s second highest cabin categories. Peter Knego

Located on forward Decks 6 and 5, the dual level Illuminations Planetarium is a QM2 exclusive. In addition to high tech projections of the stars and planets on its domed ceiling, it is also used for lectures and film screenings. Peter Knego

The Chart Room Bar is largely inspired by a similar space on the QE2 and is one of the QM2’s most elegant lounges with oversized furnishings, a tall ceiling and a frosted glass panel of the Atlantic Ocean. Peter Knego

At the top of the accommodation tier, the Q1 category Balmoral Suite is a two story apartment connected by a curved staircase. Downstairs, as seen in this aft-facing view, there is a large entryway, a living room and a balcony overlooking the stern. Peter Knego

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Now a cherished hotel, museum and tourist attraction in Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary, is without a doubt, the most famous ocean liner of all time (that did not meet with disaster). It measures 81,000 gross tons and has a length of 1,019 feet with a beam of 118 feet.(Photo: Peter Knego)

They were icons of their era. Grand, elegant vessels built for epic journeys across the Atlantic. And even in retirement, they remain a sight to behold. Our latest Cruise Ship Tour, in the carousel above, offers a look at three of the greatest ocean liners ever built, all now permanently at dock — the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth 2 and United States.

The tour also includes the one great ocean liner that remains at sea, the 10-year-old Queen Mary 2.

Together, these four ships are among the last of the great trans-Atlantic vessels that have yet to be sent to the scrap heap. And, as can be seen in the tour, which includes a rare collection of historic and contemporary photos of the ships, they remain among the most spectacular creations of man ever to be used for transportation. View the tour in a wider format with larger photos.

Created by veteran cruise writer and ship photographer Peter Knego, the Last of the Great Ocean Liners photo tour is the 105th in our ongoing series of cruise ship galleries. For previous photo tours, click on the links below: